In a College of Business Administration commencement speech at Missouri State University in May, Fulp said, “Reflecting back on my life, it was this University and a complete stranger to me who paid attention. If this person had not…I would clearly not be here today and my life would have taken a very different path.”

Fulp, who graduated from Missouri State in 1979 with a BS degree in finance, had a rocky start to his first semester. The Aurora, Mo., farm boy struggled with campus life, frequently seeking the help of his advisor Ralph K. Manley, now an emeritus assistant professor of finance at Missouri State.

When Fulp quit after his first semester, Manley visited the family and offered Fulp financial assistance, as well as a dose of confidence. The family declined the assistance, but Fulp came back to Missouri State the next semester and finished in 3 1/2 years.

“Mr. Manley will always be a mentor to me. Everyone needs a friend like Mr. Manley,” Fulp said.

Fulp has had a 29-year career in banking. He was named president of Signature Bank of Springfield in 2000, and remained president when it merged with BancorpSouth in 2006.

He said, “To be where I am today was never in the plans. I had a lot of good people help me in my career. I thank them for that.”

In 2007, Fulp was instrumental in guiding BancorpSouth’s commitment of $2 million to Missouri State University. The donation has been used for both athletic and academic purposes, including the Missouri State Promise Scholarship designated to make college affordable for more students.

“I hope someday I can help someone who’s given up hope,” Fulp said. “That’s where the Missouri State Promise comes in.”